Strokes Of Change Black Painters Seek To Dispel Stereotypes With Display Of Talent.

July 11, 1992|By ELIZABETH LEIBA, Staff Writer

Steven Mattair hopes to use his art to change what he says is an unfair perception of young black men: that they only play ball.

``A lot of people know me in the community, but they don`t know me as an artist,`` said Mattair, 18, a former varsity member of Dillard High School`s basketball team.

On Sunday, Mattair and five other young black men will try to erase some of those negative stereotypes when they display their art in a traveling exhibit supported by the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale.

The six men, among the first graduates of Dillard High School`s visual arts program, will display their work in the Collector`s Choice exhibit. The collection of more than 70 pieces will be displayed on Sundays through Aug. 23 at churches in northwest Fort Lauderdale.

``We`re trying to be role models for young black kids in the community,`` said Corey Jackson, 17, one of the artists.

His brother, Artis Jackson, also will be exhibiting along with Mattair, Celestin Joseph, Grevy Marcelin, and O`Niel Walker. The college-bound students hope to raise money for art supplies they will need in school. Their works range from $25 to $400.

The exhibit is the project of a community group led by Benjamin Williams, principal of Parkway Middle School of the Arts. The idea evolved into a project that focuses on the virtues of young black men.

National statistics released in June show homicide as the leading cause of death among black males ages 15 to 35, surpassing the number who died from car crashes, disease, and drug or alcohol abuse.

Williams thinks those numbers are misleading.

``The public will be able to see that there are many young black males that are doing well,`` he said.

The Museum of Art helped organize the exhibit and assisted with the pricing of the pieces.

``This came at a time when there is more awareness in the dilemma of the black male,`` said Katherine Darr, the museum`s assistant curator of education. ``(The project) originated from the fondness and respect for the students.``

The museum began working with Dillard`s visual arts program when it began four years ago. Students in the program visit the museum monthly to learn art history and are allowed to display their work at the museum.

Organizers of the Collector`s Choice exhibit have pledged to continue giving exposure to the six former Dillard students. They say the exhibit also will be expanded to include all Dillard visual arts program students, regardless of race or gender.

``We want to project to the young people that if you work hard you can succeed,`` Williams said.

SHOW ON THE ROAD

The Collector`s Choice exhibit, featuring more than 70 works of art by six graduates of Dillard High School`s visual arts program, will visit seven Fort Lauderdale churches. Call churches for times and information.